Cessna 172RG Cutlass RG

Piston • single engine • High Wing • Retractable gear

Range Visualization

Origin: · click map to move · nm at current load

Payload vs. Range

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Avg. pax weight (lbs)

Default: 190 lbs (FAA standard)

Luggage per pax (lbs)

Default: 30 lbs

Passengers

lbs @ lbs / pax

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0 lbs

Fuel on board

gal

+ Weight

Range

Available Range / nm

Mission capable — Aircraft can handle the current load with full fuel tanks.

Fuel tradeoff required — You'll need to leave gallons of fuel behind ( gal usable for nm range).

Over max gross weight — Reduce payload by lbs to safely operate this aircraft.

Mission Profile

140

KTAS

Cruise Speed

Occupants

720

Max Range

664

lbs

Wet Payload

Estimated Ownership Costs

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About the Cessna 172RG Cutlass RG

The Cessna 172RG Cutlass RG is a retractable-gear variant of the world’s most popular aircraft, the Cessna 172 Skyhawk. Introduced in 1980, it was designed primarily as a trainer for commercial pilots stepping up to “complex” aircraft (those with retractable gear, constant-speed propellers, and flaps). While it shares the Skyhawk’s airframe, it features a more powerful 180 hp Lycoming O-360 engine and the landing gear system from the Skylane RG.

Key Features for GA Buyers

Complex Trainer: Ideally suited for pilots seeking their commercial certificate or CFI ratings, satisfying the “complex” aircraft requirement in a forgiving airframe.
Range & Efficiency: With a 66-gallon fuel capacity (62 usable) and a cruise speed of 140 knots, the Cutlass offers significantly better cross-country performance than a standard fixed-gear 172.
Payload: A useful load of over 1,000 lbs is respectable for its class, often allowing for full fuel and reasonable cabin loading.

Trade-offs

Climb Performance: Despite the horsepower increase, the gross weight increase results in a modest climb rate (800 fpm) that is comparable to, or sometimes feels more sluggish than, lighter fixed-gear variants.
Gear Maintenance: The retractable gear adds maintenance complexity and cost compared to the simple spring-steel gear of the standard Skyhawk. The hydraulic power pack is a known maintenance item.
Speed vs. Cost: While faster than a 172, it is generally slower than competitors like the Piper Arrow or Mooney M20, often making it a niche choice for private owners versus flight schools.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions

Wingspan: 36.0 ft
Length: 27.4 ft
Height: 8.8 ft

Weights

Max Takeoff Weight: 2,650 lbs
Max Landing Weight: 2,650 lbs
Useful Load: 1,060 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 66 gal

Performance

Cruise Speed: 140 KTAS
Range: 720 NM
Service Ceiling: 16,800 ft
Rate of Climb: 800 fpm

Engines

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